Chris Katz was appointed the new president of the board of trustees of the Jewish Family & Children's Service of Greater Monmouth County at the agency's 32nd annual meeting on Nov. 15.

Katz has been a JF&CS board trustee since 2002, and has served as board vice president for the past two years. She succeeded Evan Gartenberg of Long Branch, who completed two one-year terms as board president. Gartenberg was named board chair at the meeting.

Katz began her involvement with JF&CS 11 years ago, when she became active in the Jewish Federation of Greater Monmouth County (JF&CS is a beneficiary agency of the federation). She was a member of the federation's young adult division and young leadership program and regards her new position as a natural progression.

"I learned about JF&CS through my work with the federation," Katz told NJ Jewish News. "I was impressed by the scope of services they provided, which span every age group and economic level. They don't turn away anyone who is in need. When I was originally asked to join the JF&CS board as a trustee, it gave me the chance to reach out and support an agency that benefits from its association with the federation."

As Katz begins her new role at JF&CS, her dedication to the agency's mission is stronger than ever, according to executive director Paul Freedman.

"Chris is a very energetic person who is well-respected in the community," Freedman told NJ Jewish News. "She has always understood the purpose and impact of the work of this agency, and she cares about the quality of life of the residents of Monmouth County's Jewish community. I think she will help us take JF&CS to new levels of service."

The agency's expansion of services for children and adults has already begun. An anger management pilot program for students in the Keansburg school district will begin in January, and an Aging in Place program that provides social services to members of the county's elderly population who wish to remain in their homes, rather than relocate to an assisted care facility, is under way.

"These are important programs that reflect the needs of members of Monmouth County's Jewish community and general community," said Katz. "I'm proud that JF&CS continues to learn what issues are important to county residents and then develops programs and services that meet those needs."

Katz lives in Wayside with her husband, Todd Katz, a member of the federation's executive board, and their four daughters, ages nine, seven, five, and three. The children attended preschool classes at the Ruth Hyman Jewish Community Center of Greater Monmouth County in Deal.

"We wanted the children to start to get a sense of their Jewish roots and heritage early in their lives," said Katz, who is a member of the JCC's executive board. "I think that basis of understanding will provide them with a sense of identity and pride in their Jewish background, and I believe those feelings will expand as the children grow older."

Katz, who was born in Portugal and has lived in Monmouth County since age five, is a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Middletown. Her ability to balance family needs, career demands, and volunteer activity requires careful planning and perseverance, she said.

"I think being able to multitask is an important component of all of these activities," said Katz. "But I'm also lucky to have a great group of supportive family members and friends. That helps me get things done."

She said she hopes to accomplish a great deal more at JF&CS. "Our only limits are the amount of money we raise and the funding that we can obtain," said Katz. "The board is going to continue to work hard to get funding increases so JF&CS can start more new programs that will be based on services the community needs and wants. I'm proud to be president of the JF&CS board — I hope it will be a great year."

---